Youngsters fire up

By Bridget Brady
THE call is out for budding young firefighters to join the Clyde-Cardinia brigade.
Captain of the brigade Ken Blencowe said there were about seven junior members, and he hoped more local youngsters would take up the opportunity to learn fire safety while having a bit of fun.
Boys and girls between the age of 11 and 16 are welcome to join as a junior member, and Mr Blencowe said the hope was many would stay on as senior firefighters. The Clyde-Cardinia brigade has 38 members.
“It’s always in anticipation that once you get junior members that they stay on to become a senior,” Mr Blencowe said.
“But even if they don’t stay on they do learn a lot. They have a bit if fun and it’s also a good learning curve.”
Juniors learn some practical firefighting skills including how to use fire extinguishers, how to handle fire hoses and get taught about ropes, knots and lines.
Juniors often take part in social activities such as rock climbing, video nights and bowling.
“It’s pretty basic stuff but once they get to about 15 we start to teach them what they need to know to become a senior firefighter.”
Mr Blencowe encouraged anyone interested in joining to come down and check out the brigade on Railway Road, Clyde.
The juniors meet on Monday evenings from 5.30pm to 7pm except on school and public holidays.
Any juniors interested in joining can contact Bianca Gibbs on 0408 129 620.